Genentech: David Castillo-Azofeifa | Principal Scientist, Regenerative Medicine

Scientists / Our Scientists

"At Genentech, helping patients becomes a reality through innovation and high performing teamwork."

Years at Genentech

Awards & Honors

I am a stem cell and developmental biologist interested in the fundamental processes underlying tissue regeneration and degeneration. My lab aims to elucidate the signaling circuits that regulate the interaction between stem cells and their surroundings, which are responsible for homeostasis and regeneration. We test our hypothesis using our expertise in developing and applying genetic and pharmacology tools to manipulate cell decisions with unprecedented regional, cell type, and temporal specificity. Our ultimate goal is to utilize fundamental discoveries to develop therapeutics to regenerate and rejuvenate epithelial tissues, including the intestine, during disease-driven injury and aging.

Featured Publication

Epithelial TNF controls cell differentiation and CFTR activity to maintain intestinal mucin homeostasis.

J Clin Invest. 2023.

Reyes EA^§, Castillo-Azofeifa D^§, Rispal J^§, Wald T, Zwick RK, Palikuqi B, Mujukian A, Rabizadeh S, Gupta AR, Gardner JM, Boffelli D, Gartner ZJ, Klein OD.

View Abstract

A DLG1-ARHGAP31-CDC42 axis is essential for the intestinal stem cell response to fluctuating niche Wnt signaling.

Cell Stem Cell. 2023.

Castillo-Azofeifa D^§, Wald T^§, Reyes EA, Gallagher A, Schanin J, Vlachos S, Lamarche-Vane N, Bomidi C, Blutt S, Estes MK, Nystul T, Klein OD.

View Abstract

Atoh1+ secretory progenitors possess renewal capacity independent of Lgr5+ cells during colonic regeneration

EMBO J.. 2019.

Castillo-Azofeifa D^§, Fazio EN^§, Nattiv R^§, Good HJ, Wald T, Pest MA, de Sauvage FJ, Klein OD, Asfaha S.

View Abstract

Induction of ectopic taste buds by SHH reveals the competency and plasticity of adult lingual epithelium.

Development. 2014.

Castillo D^§, Seidel K^§, Salcedo E, Ahn C, de Sauvage FJ, Klein OD, Barlow LA.

View Abstract

My lab efforts are concentrated on revealing fundamental cellular mechanisms that regulate tissue cell flux balance and providing clinically relevant insights for regenerative and geriatric medicine. Current projects focus on:

Cell plasticity.
Mechanobiology.
Aging.

University of California San Francisco, Postdoc in Stem Cell Biology – 2022
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development – 2016
University of South Carolina, Professional Science Master’s in Biotechnology – 2010
Universidad de Costa Rica, Bachelor’s in Biology – 2007

K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, National Institute on Aging (declined) – 2022
Intersections Science Fellows Symposium – 2021
Fred Hutchinson Dr. Eddie Mendéz Award – 2021
Honorable mention Stanford.Berkeley.UCSF Next Generation Faculty Symposium – 2020
Outstanding Short-Term Mentor Award for medical students at UCSF – 2019
Barsa Scholarship – 2008
Fulbright Scholarship – 2008

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David Castillo-Azofeifa

Principal Scientist, Regenerative Medicine

Featured Publication

Epithelial TNF controls cell differentiation and CFTR activity to maintain intestinal mucin homeostasis.

A DLG1-ARHGAP31-CDC42 axis is essential for the intestinal stem cell response to fluctuating niche Wnt signaling.

Atoh1+ secretory progenitors possess renewal capacity independent of Lgr5+ cells during colonic regeneration

Induction of ectopic taste buds by SHH reveals the competency and plasticity of adult lingual epithelium.